The Soapbox
What’s the message, Part I:
Companies commonly send to newsrooms promotional materials with “goodies” included. The people with the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl did that to promote the Dec. 31 UCLA-Illinois game. They aim to donate 25 million meals, and they sent us a box of Double Stuffed Oreos to get our attention. It worked. We hope they meet their goal. What’s the message, Part II:
Oreos and hunger campaigns may not sound like a perfect fit unless you’re cramming for final exams at 2 a.m. While the cookies were great, the guilt set in and we felt compelled to go buy some cereal, oatmeal, rice and noodles to donate to our company’s food drive. Not sure we have an appetite for that bowl game, but it felt good to give back.
A good deal?
The Aurora City Council this week joined a host of suburban communities that will ask voters March 20 if they favor allowing the city to look for new, presumably cheaper, sources of electrical power. It’s hard to imagine who will vote against this one.
Clear thinking:
The municipal message board outside the fire/police departments along Schaumburg Road always has helpful hints and reminders. This week’s — “Zero tolerance means zero tragedies” — is so important heading into the holidays. You drink, you lose. Simple as that. Appropriately, the sign also sits right next to Schaumburg High School.
Worst brings out best:
There is a special punishment waiting for people who steal from charities. At Christmas. So no need to heap further abuse on the jerk who hoodwinked the Salvation Army bell ringer out of his kettle full of donations in St. Charles. Rather, we offer a tip of the Santa’s cap to Colonial Ice Cream for helping to make up the difference.
Beautiful music:
Hats off to six suburban high schools named among the 125 Grammy Signature Schools national music semifinalists. Stevenson, Elk Grove, Glenbard West, Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley gained the distinction. Finalists will be announced in March. Good luck, all!
More to come?
Politicians usually try to hide embarrassing addictions from the public. Leave it to Rod Blagojevich to turn one to his advantage, seeking a drug-and-alcohol rehab designation that could knock time off his corruption sentence. We await details.
A true civil servant:
Connie Wilson of Naperville, forewoman in the jury for Blagojevich’s second trial, says she is “finding my voice” and plans to speak out about the importance of civic duty. Thank goodness. This week she told students at Metea Valley High School in Aurora about the meticulous deliberations that led to his conviction.
Better late...
Sears got its tax deal. District 300 got some new money. Hoffman Estates keeps a top revenue source. It took some doing and maybe not everyone’s happy. But everyone is better off. Now let’s all move forward together.
Try something different:
If you’re angry and depressed about all the unsavory crime news from the world of big-time sports, try something different. Find a high school game or event nearby that will remind you of the unencumbered beauty of athletic competition. You’ll be glad you did.